Make an Entrance

Your home’s exterior is the first feature guests see. Considering you only have one chance to
make a first impression, the exterior appearance of your home is extremely important. When
walking up to your house it should feel inviting, maintained, and respectful to the aesthetic of
your neighborhood. A house should not stand out for all the wrong reasons. Consider the overall
property, the architecture, and especially the front door. Make your exterior memorable and
inviting with these four ways to boost curb appeal.

Keep it Clean, Balanced and Green. When it comes to exterior décor, symmetry is not only
pleasing to the eye, but it’s simple to achieve. Place oversized planters filled with gorgeous plants
on either side of your front door to instantly add an element of drama and visually exaggerate
the entrance. If you are limited on ground space, try flanking the door with eye catching lanterns
for a similar effect. Clear clutter off the lawn and around your home’s exterior. Also, refrain from
using the front porch as a catchall for sporting equipment and gardening tools. Aside from making
sure shrubs are pruned and the lawn is mowed regularly, look for ways to spruce up your
yard with decorative plantings and flowerbeds.

Shine Bright. Outdoor lighting enhances
your home’s appearance,
helps your house look welcoming
at night and gives prominence to
features you’re proud of, including
beautiful trees and architectural
details. If you have a roofed entryway
outside your front door, add
an outdoor ceiling fixture or a pair
of lanterns. Ensure that the walkway
is well-lit, house numbers are
visible, and that you use the same
color temperature for all fluorescent
bulbs or LEDs installed.

Paint Cohesively. Exterior color is the
part of your home that makes an immediate
impact. Look around your neighborhood
to see if there is a common palette.
Also consider the style and era of your home.
Some architectural styles — such as Victorian,
have intricate details that look fantastic painted
in a stand-out hue. Do some research and see what
colors a house like yours traditionally has
been painted.

Try and choose a paint color that is also
in sync with what is going on in the inside
of your home. Continuity is important
and the exterior makes the first impression,
so you want to be sure what’s on
the outside works well with what you
have chosen for the interior. Having said
all that, you should not feel obligated
to paint your house in accordance with
everyone else’s in your neighborhood or
use colors considered appropriate for
the style of your home. Consider going
bold, but perhaps limit the bold hues
to accents such as the front door for a
splash of color.

Finish it Right. Don’t forget to dress up your door, it’s the focal point of your home. Like jewelry,
door knockers add that something special. Also, the door handle is the first thing many guests
will have contact with, so invest in a high-quality lockset that will give a subtle-but-solid first impression
when you invite guests to come inside. Address numbers, door knockers and locksets are easy and affordable upgrades.
These exterior elements are small but add a lot of finesse to your look. You will achieve the most appeal when they function
collectively, rather than as mix and match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while satin nickel or chrome
suits more contemporary ones.

Taymor exterior residential hardware features
compatible style profiles and matching finishes in
all product categories, so you can easily achieve
a seamless look